Stratigraphy of lake and bog deposits and climatic changes in the late-glacial and Holocene in the Soviet Baltic Republics: a review

The study of lake and bog deposits in the Soviet Baltic countries has long traditions. These areas are the most intensively studied in the U.S.S.R. The thickness of late‐glacial and Holocene sediments reaches up to 38.5 m. The sections are represented most completely in the southern part of the study area, i.e. in Lithuania, whereas in North Estonia the accumulation of lake deposits started in Alleröd and the formation of peat only in pre‐Boreal times. Alleröd deposits differ in their amount of organic remains and are everywhere considered as a reference horizon. In general, the accumulation of lake deposits and inferred climatic changes agree with those in adjoining areas. However, in detail they show important differences. Rather prominent differences are observed not only between North, Central and South Baltic, but also between elevated and lowland areas. Their elucidation requires the compilation of numerous local stratigraphic schemes.